When Americans vote for president, they are participating in a process called the Electoral College. The Electoral College is the system used to officially choose the president and vice president of the United States. It was created when the Constitution was written in 1787. The Framers debated how to choose the president. They set up a system that let states play a key role in elections. Today, the Electoral College is only used in presidential elections. Elections for Congress, governors, mayors, and other offices are decided by the popular vote.
Each state receives a certain number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress. Every state has two senators, and the number of representatives in the House depends on the state's population. Because of this, states with larger populations usually have more electoral votes than states with smaller populations. There are 538 electoral votes in total, and a candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. Every ten years, the census counts the population of the United States. As populations change, some states may gain or lose electoral votes.
On Election Day, voters cast ballots for a presidential candidate. In most states, the candidate who wins the most votes statewide receives all of that state's electoral votes. Maine and Nebraska use a different system that can divide electoral votes between candidates. After the election, a group of people called electors officially cast their votes for president and vice president. Congress later counts and certifies those votes. The candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes becomes president.
The Electoral College relies on state electoral votes. Therefore, the winner may not be the candidate with the most nationwide votes. This has happened a few times in American history, including in 2000 and 2016. Supporters of the Electoral College argue that it gives states across the country a voice in presidential elections. Critics argue that the national popular vote should determine the winner. The Electoral College remains a key part of how the U.S. elects its president, despite ongoing debates.